From left are Jadyn Stevens, Bella, Ejarque and Brogan Roy. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Opera House doors are open for the third season of Summer Theatre Camp, a joyous hands-on theatre experience for students ages four through teen. The program, offering all levels of training in theatre techniques, is a great opportunity for children around the region to dance, sing, learn and grow on the stage at the grand historic theatre. On the final day of each camp session, students showcase their skills with an evening performance for family, friends and the public.

Camp Director Sharon Asher Arsenault is an award winning director with over 20 years experience directing children and teens and has directed summer theatre camps for 14 years in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Ms. Asher Arsenault thoroughly enjoys working with children and explains, “There is nothing like seeing the potential of a child come to fruition or the look on their face, when they realize that they are amazing. Suddenly a child, who was shy, becomes full of self esteem and confidence. There is no limit to what they can do and that is what’s truly inspiring to me.”

Joining the Camp team this year is ROH House Manager and resident Stage Manager Sue Roy.

With many years of experience working with all the young actors in the ROH Theatre Series productions, Ms. Roy observes, “Children are eager to learn and the creativity of a theatre experience stimulates their young minds. It is so rewarding to watch a shy child blossom into a star on stage.”

Summer Theatre Camp Schedule

Broadway Kids I: (Ages 4-7), June 24-July 5 (excluding July 4), Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Students sing, dance and learn theatre techniques through games and improvisation and spend quiet time learning theatre related arts and crafts. Theme days such as Crazy Hair Day, Inside Out Day and Super Hero Day enhance the enjoyment of the learning process.

Spotlight on Musical Theatre: (Ages 13 and Up), July 8-19, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Students fine tune their acting, singing and dancing skills by learning 12 Broadway show stoppers for an original production presented to an audience on the last day of camp. Although no theatre experience is required, this camp focuses on theatre techniques.

Acting Out: (Ages 8- 12), July 22-Aug. 2, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Students learn to take a full-length play from page to stage through theatre techniques, games and improvisation. Students showcase their skills for an audience on the last evening of camp. Theme days such as Crazy Hair Day, Inside Out Day and Super Hero Day enhance the enjoyment of the learning process.

Broadway Kids II: (Ages 4-7), Aug. 5-16, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Students sing, dance and learn theatre techniques through games and improvisation and spend quiet time learning theatre related arts and crafts. Theme days such as Crazy Hair Day, Inside Out Day and Super Hero Day enhance the enjoyment of the learning process.

Registration forms and camp information are available at the ROH Box Office on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and for download at RochesterOperaHouse.com.

The Rochester Opera House is located in City Hall, 31 Wakefield St. Contact Martha at roh2@metrocast.net or call (603) 335-1992 for more information.